Braided stent system with one or more expansion rings

ABSTRACT

An endovascular self-expanding stent system that can include a braid with a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen formed therebetween. The braid can be formed from one or more wires woven to comprise interstices. A first expansion ring can be connected to the proximal end of the braid. A second expansion ring can be connected to the distal end of the braid. Each expansion ring can include a frame that imparts an outwardly expanding radial force to the braid. The frame can include a plurality of elongate members interconnected by one or more intersections.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/234,226 filed Dec. 27, 2018, the contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if set forthherein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to treatment of certain defectsin a vasculature of a patient and more particularly, to self-expandingbraided stents to a treatment site in a vasculature of a patient.

BACKGROUND

Stents are understood as tubular reinforcements that can be insertedinto a blood vessel to provide an open path within the blood vessel.Stents have been widely used in intravascular angioplasty treatment ofoccluded cardiac arteries, wherein the stent may be inserted after anangioplasty procedure to prevent restenosis of the artery. Stents areoften deployed by use of delivery devices which cause the stent to openwith the objective of reinforcing the artery wall and provide a clearthrough-path in the artery thereby preventing restenosis.

However, the weakness and non-linear nature of the neurovasculaturelimits the applicability of such stents in procedures, for example, inrepairing neurovascular defects. Furthermore, known delivery methods areless useful in vasoocclusive surgery, particularly when tiny vessels,such as those found in the brain, are to be treated.

In addition, single wire braided stents have some key advantages such aslower crimp profiles and require lower forces to track the devicesduring delivery in the vasculature. These stents are manufactured bybraiding a wire in a pattern (e.g., cylindrical) and are typicallymanufactured of a self-expanding material, such as Nitinol. Asignificant drawback of these devices is that they have very low radialexpansion forces resulting in stent migration and difficulty inaccurately placing the device.

Accordingly, a need exists for a stent that can be used with deliverytechniques in vasoocclusive treatment of neurovascular defects thatprovides selective, accurate reinforcement in the vicinity of theneurovascular defect. A need also exists for a stent that reduces traumaor risk of rupture to the blood vessel.

It is with respect to these and other considerations that the variousembodiments described below are presented.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a braided stentsystem that can include a braid with a proximal end, a distal end, and alumen formed therebetween. The braid can be formed from one or morewires woven to comprise interstices. A first expansion ring can beconnected to the proximal end of the braid. A second expansion ring canbe connected to the distal end of the braid. Each expansion ring caninclude a frame that imparts an outwardly expanding radial force to thebraid. The frame can include a plurality of elongate membersinterconnected by one or more intersections.

In some aspects, the proximal end and the distal end each compriselooped ends formed from the one or more wires.

In some aspects, the elongate members of each of the first or secondexpansion rings are interwoven into and out of adjacent looped ends ofthe braid.

In some aspects, intersections of each of the first or second expansionrings are interwoven sequentially whereby each intersection is connectedor in communication with a respective looped end of the braid.

In some aspects, intersections of each of the first or second expansionrings are interwoven sequentially whereby each intersection is wrappedaround or hooked with a respective looped end of the braid.

In some aspects, the elongate members of each of the first or secondexpansion rings are interwoven sequentially to adjacent looped ends ofthe braid in the form of a zig-zag shaped assembly.

In some aspects, the elongate members of each of the first or secondexpansion rings are interwoven sequentially to adjacent looped ends ofthe braid in the form of a zig-zag shaped assembly.

In some aspects, the first expansion ring includes one or moreradiopaque bands connected with one or more corresponding elongatemembers proximal of the proximal end of the braid.

In some aspects, the first expansion ring includes one or moreradiopaque bands connected with one or more corresponding elongatemembers adjacent a respective intersection connected with a respectivelooped end and proximal of the proximal end.

In some aspects, the second expansion ring includes one or moreradiopaque bands connected with one or more corresponding elongatemembers distal of the distal end of the braid.

In some aspects, the second expansion ring also includes one or moreradiopaque bands connected with one or more corresponding elongatemembers adjacent a respective intersection connected with a respectivelooped end and distal of the distal end.

In some aspects, at least one of the first and second expansion ringalso includes one or more radiopaque bands connected with one or morecorresponding elongate members and corresponding looped end of thebraid.

In some aspects, each elongate member is connected to the correspondinglooped end of the braid by wrapping or encircling the respectiveradiopaque band thereabout.

In some aspects, each elongate member is oriented parallel to arespective portion of the wire of the corresponding looped end connectedto the radiopaque band.

In some aspects, at least one of the first or second expansion ringscomprises a clip that is mechanically connected to one or more of thelooped ends.

In some aspects, one end point of the first or second expansion ring isprovided per looped end of the respective proximal or distal end.

In some aspects, each expansion ring is self-expanding.

In some aspects, the frame of each expansion ring formed by the elongatemembers and intersections comprise one of a zig-zag shape, a “V” shape,a “U” shape, a “W” shape, or a double “U” shape.

In some aspects, a method of using a braid is disclosed. The methodincludes providing a braid having a proximal end, a distal end, and alumen formed therebetween by one or more braided wires; positioning afirst expansion ring with the proximal end, the first expansion ringconfigured to be self-expanding and apply an outward radial force to theproximal end of the braid; positioning a second expansion ring at adistal end of the braid, the second expansion ring configured to beself-expanding and apply an outward radial force to the distal end ofthe braid; engaging at least one of the first and second expansion ringsto a delivery wire; and delivering the braid to an aneurysm by distallyadvancing the delivery wire.

In some aspects, the step of positioning the first expansion ring at theproximal end of the braid includes sequentially translating one or moreelongate members of the first expansion ring into and out of adjacentlooped ends of the proximal end of the braid.

In some aspects, the step of positioning the second expansion ring atthe distal end of the braid includes sequentially translating one ormore elongate members of the second expansion ring into and out ofadjacent looped ends of the distal end of the braid.

In some aspects, the step of positioning the first expansion ring at theproximal end of the braid includes positioning one or more intersectionsof the first expansion ring until each intersection is connected or incommunication with a respective looped end of the proximal end of thebraid.

In some aspects, the method also includes wrapping around or hookingeach intersection with a respective looped end of the braid.

In some aspects, the step of positioning the second expansion ring atthe distal end of the braid includes positioning one or moreintersections of the second expansion ring until each intersection isconnected or in communication with a respective looped end of the distalend of the braid.

In some aspects, the method also includes wrapping around or hookingeach intersection with a respective looped end of the braid.

In some aspects, the method also includes connecting one or moreradiopaque bands with one or more corresponding elongate membersproximal of the proximal end of the braid.

In some aspects, the method also includes connecting one or moreradiopaque bands with one or more corresponding elongate membersadjacent a respective intersection of the first expansion ring connectedwith a respective looped end of the braid and proximal of the proximalend.

In some aspects, the method also includes connecting one or moreradiopaque bands with one or more corresponding elongate membersadjacent a respective intersection of the first expansion ring connectedwith a respective looped end of the braid and proximal of the proximalend.

In some aspects, the method also includes wherein at least one of thefirst and second expansion ring also includes one or more radiopaquebands connected with one or more corresponding elongate members andcorresponding looped end of the braid.

In some aspects, the method also includes connecting each elongatemember to a corresponding looped end of the braid by wrapping orencircling the respective radiopaque band thereabout.

In some aspects, the method also includes orienting parallel an elongatemember to a respective wire of the braid extending from a correspondinglooped end and connected to the radiopaque band.

In some aspects, the method also includes connecting one or more of thelooped ends or wire of the braid to a void of the clip of the first orsecond expansion rings.

In some aspects, the method also includes forming the frame of eachexpansion ring by the elongate members and intersections into one of azig-zag shape, a “V” shape, a “U” shape, a “W” shape, or a double “U”shape.

In some aspects, the braid is a mesh flow diverter.

In some aspects, the method also includes increasing a radial expansionforce of the braid by attaching the first expansion ring at the proximalend and attaching the second expansion ring at the distal end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 depicts a side plan view of exemplary self-expanding braidassembled with example expansion rings at respective proximal and distalends of the example braid.

FIG. 2 is a close-up view of plane A-A of FIG. 1 depicting an exemplaryproximal end of the braid with corresponding looped ends.

FIG. 3 is a perspective of an exemplary expansion ring prior to beingassembled with a braid of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of plane B-B of FIG. 1 showing certainfeatures of one of the depicted expansion rings weaved throughinterstices of an example braid.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of plane C-C of FIG. 3 showing an example clipof an example expansion ring of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a side plan view of exemplary expansion rings whenassembled at proximal and distal ends of an example braid.

FIG. 7 depicts a side plan view of exemplary expansion rings whenassembled at proximal and distal ends of an example braid.

FIG. 8 depicts a side plan view of exemplary expansion rings whenassembled at proximal and distal ends of an example braid.

FIG. 9 depicts an example endovascular medical system for use intreating an aneurysm with an example braid.

FIG. 10 shows a flow diagram depicting an example method of thisdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although example embodiments of the disclosed technology are explainedin detail herein, it is to be understood that other embodiments arecontemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosedtechnology be limited in its scope to the details of construction andarrangement of components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The disclosed technology is capable ofother embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

As discussed herein, vasculature of a “subject” or “patient” may bevasculature of a human or any animal. It should be appreciated that ananimal may be a variety of any applicable type, including, but notlimited thereto, mammal, veterinarian animal, livestock animal or pettype animal, etc. As an example, the animal may be a laboratory animalspecifically selected to have certain characteristics similar to a human(e.g., rat, dog, pig, monkey, or the like). It should be appreciatedthat the subject may be any applicable human patient, for example.

Braids may be formed from a plurality of elongate members (e.g. metalwires, polymeric fibers, or strands of material) and these members canbe very useful in treatment of neurovascular defects. However, when suchbraided members are intended to be self-expanding in a lumen of a stentbody, known manners of activation of the initially expanding endstruggle to adequately, reliably, and fully open so that the initiallyexpanding end can be used as an anchor point. Moreover, braids have beenknown to exhibit high internal friction that resists the inherent radialexpansion force of the self-expanding braid when being deployed to anopened state. More specifically, the relatively high internal frictioncan render it difficult to open the initially expanding end of the stentwhich results in deficiencies in anchoring and deployment. This isparticularly true for braids delivered to the desired vessel locationthrough use of a delivery sheath, microcatheter, or the like, since in aclosed state (e.g. compressed or crimped) the stent body typicallyexhibits friction between the braided members and the delivery sheath ormicrocatheter.

In practice, braids can be delivered to a particular vessel by advancinga blunt surface against a proximal end of the braid causing the braid toaxially compress and expand radially. This expansion within the deliverysheath or microcatheter can result in an increased normal force beingapplied to the inner surface of the delivery sheath, microcatheter, orthe like thereby also increasing friction caused by the braid.

Known solutions to these issues have depended on factors such asmaterial, size, cell design, internal friction, and extra manipulationby the end-user to reliably, quickly and adequately open the braids. Inturn, success of the braid relied heavily on end-user accuracy indelivery which unnecessarily increases risk of injury to the patient.

Moreover, such braided, self-expanding stents can be difficult torecapture after being delivered and/or deployed. It is to be understoodthat a “self-expanding” stent is a stent wherein the particular stentfully deploys upon emerging through a delivery device such as a sheath,microcatheter, or the like. In this respect, when a self-expanding stentbody emerges, unrestrained outside of the respective delivery device,the self-expanding braid should expand and be deployed in thevasculature. However, due to the referenced radial forces and friction,stent deployment and recapture following deployment is difficult. Thepresent inventors have devised delivery systems that overcome theseproblems, see at least U.S. application Ser. No. 15/281,974, publishedas U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018/0092766 A1 and issued as U.S. Pat.No. 10,292,851 B2, incorporated herein by reference.

The terms “distal” or “proximal” are used in the following descriptionwith respect to a position or direction relative to the treatingphysician or medical interventionalist. “Distal” or “distally” are aposition distant from or in a direction away from the physician orinterventionalist. “Proximal” or “proximally” or “proximate” are aposition near or in a direction toward the physician or medicalinterventionist. The terms “occlusion”, “clot” or “blockage” are usedinterchangeably.

Turning to FIG. 1, the herein disclosed expansion ring 30, 40 isdepicted in a side plan view with example braid 10. The depicted system1 resolves these and other issues by providing a secure, mechanicalattachment between ring 30, 40 and the corresponding, braid 10 thatincreases an outwardly extending radial expansion force of a proximal 12and distal 14 end and/or a lumen 16 defined therebetween. Each ring 30,40 includes a frame with a plurality of interconnected elongate members38 that collectively cause the ring to connect itself with therespective proximal 12 or distal 14 end of braid 10. Uponinterconnection of elongate members 38 of the frame with the proximal 12or distal 14 end of braid 10, the ring 30, 40 is capable of imparting anoutwardly expanding radial force to the braid 10. In some aspects, asshown more particularly in FIG. 3, the respective end of each ring 40 isconnected by mechanically securing a clip 35 of each ring 40 to beinterlaced and/or interwoven with looped ends 18 of braid 10. In someembodiments, elongate members 36, 38 of each of the first or secondexpansion rings 30, 40 are interwoven into and out of adjacent loopedends 18 of the braid 10. Assembling one or more rings 30, 40 with braid10 results in relatively easy delivery without the need for accuratepositioning of ring 30, 40 with braid 10.

FIG. 2 depicts a close-up view of plane A-A of FIG. 1 depicting anexemplary proximal end 12 of braid 10 with corresponding looped ends 18.It can also be seen that wire or wires 22 are braided to form theatraumatic, looped ends 18. It is understood that the distal end 14 canalso have the same or similar looped ends 18.

Turning to FIG. 3, a perspective view of exemplary ring 30, 40 is shownwith a plurality of interconnected elongate members 36, 38. While eachframe of ring 30, 40 that is formed by interconnected elongate members36, 38 may be V-shaped as in FIG. 3, it is understood that the frame ofring 30, 40 can also be arranged in other bowed orientations. In thisregard, members 36, 38 may include a curved or arched portion that bowswith a predetermined resistance to compression. Each frame of rings 30,40, including respective members 36, 38, may have the same or adifferent resistance so that ring 30, 40 can be individualized for thespecific vasculature implementation.

In a compressed, unexpanded state inside microcatheter 10, each 30, 40is operable to assemble with looped ends 18 of braid 10 while alsoproviding outward expanding radial forces to counter the inwardlyapplied compression in the compressed state. Members 36, 38 and itsconstituent features, including intersection 32 and/or any preformedshape such as the bowed V-shape of FIG. 3, may be formed of asuperelastic material, such as a nickel-titanium alloy or Nitinol, ormay be formed of a non-superelastic material, such as spring steel orMP35N, an alloy of 35% nickel, 35% cobalt, 20% chromium, and 10%molybdenum, by weight. Members 36, 38 may also be formed from a shapememory material having a shape memory position in the opened state.

FIG. 4 depicts a close-up view of plane B-B of FIG. 1 depicting anintersection 32 of ring 40 interlaced with a looped end 18 of distal end14 of braid 10. More specifically, members 38, 36 can be seen beingjoined together at intersection 32. Ring 40, including members 36, 38and corresponding intersection 32, can be woven with end 18 in a varietyof ways. For example, member 38 can be interwoven into and out ofadjacent looped ends 18 of the braid 10, including sequentially throughconsecutive looped ends 18, as shown in FIG. 6. In this respect,intersection 32 can be in a zig-zag shape and/or wrapped around orhooked with a respective looped end 18 of the braid 10. While ring 30 isnot depicted in FIG. 4 with its intersection 32 connected to acorresponding looped end of proximal end 12, it is contemplated thatring 30 would similarly connect with end 12 as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of an example clip 35 of a ring 30, 40. Theframe of ring 30, 40 may include members 38, 36 joined together, asshown, at first intersection 32, whereby intersection 32 can be saidclip 35. While members 38, 36 are seen integrally formed with each otherin FIG. 5, rings 30, 40 are not so limited and members 38, 36 may beremovably attached to each other or otherwise connected. Members 38, 36may also be adhered to each other, crimped, or welded to formconnections 42. Additionally, if one or more fasteners are used in aparticular implementation with connections 42, they can be removablyconnected or welded, soldered, and/or crimped. Fasteners and/or members38, 36 can be formed of a radiopaque metal, such as platinum ortantalum, or may be formed of a non-radiopaque material, such asstainless steel.

By adding clip 35 to the intersection of members 38, 36, each ring 30,40 can be interlaced with looped ends 18 without a permanent or rigidattachment thereto (e.g., welding, soldering or a chemical adhesive).Intersection 32, including clip 35, may also include a rotatable and/ortwistable hinge-type coupling so that each ring 30, 40 is capable offlexing a predetermined amount when braid 10 and ring 30, 40 is in use.One or more elongate members 33 may extend from intersection 32,including from members 38, 36, and terminate at connection 42 oppositeintersection 32. Elongate members 33 are shown substantially aligned andoffset from each other while being joined at one or more connections 42to form one or more corresponding voids 37 therebetween through whichwires 22 can pass.

In some aspects, elongate members 33 can be passed through and/orinterlaced with wire 22 and corresponding looped end 18 and then joinedat the one or more respective connections 42. In those embodiments wheremore than one void 37 is provided, one or more multiple looped ends 18or passes by wire 22 may be arranged in or in connection with voids 37so that clip 35 may be mechanically attached to proximal end 12 ordistal end 14, respectively. The one or more connections 42 betweenelongate members 33 may be formed from a weld, crimp, band, clamp, oradhesive.

FIG. 6 depicts a side plan view of rings 30, 40 being selectivelypositioned at ends 12, 14. In the zig-zag configuration of thisembodiment, it is understood that the rings 30, 40 can be interwoven orotherwise interconnected so that respective intersections 32 of eachring 30, 40 are in communication with looped ends 18 of braid 10. Incertain embodiments, for every looped end 18 a correspondingintersection 32 can be provided by either of rings 30, 40. It is to beunderstood that the embodiment of FIG. 6 is not intended to be limitingand any number of rings 30,40 and/or interlaced with looped ends 18. Forexample, intersections 32, including its elongate members 36, 38, can bepulled or translated or otherwise advanced with respect to looped ends18 of braid 10 so as to be interwoven sequentially to adjacent loopedends 18 of the braid 10 in the form of a zig-zag shaped assembly.

FIG. 7 depicts an aspect of a braid 10 of this disclosure with rings,30, 40 having radiopaque bands 46. In particular, one or more radiopaquebands 46 can be connected with one or more corresponding elongatemembers 38 of rings 30, 40. In some aspects, band 46 can be positionedaround or otherwise circumferentially around elongate member 38 ormember 36 (e.g., axially aligned on the outer surface of a respectivemember). In some embodiments, the band 46 can be in contact with braid10 at looped end 18 or can be just distal or proximal thereof.

FIG. 8 depicts an aspect of a braid 10 similar the example of FIG. 7.However, in the example depicted in FIG. 8, bands 46 can be axiallyaligned with both member 38 or 36 and wire 22 just proximal or distal ofrespective looped end 18 so that the “zig-zag” shape is aligned withcorresponding shape of wire 22 of the proximal 12 or distal 14 end. Incertain examples, one or more bands 46 can be wrapped around both therespective wire 22 and elongate member 36 or 38 whereby each of wire andmember 36 or 38 are therefore also axially aligned and possibly also incontact.

FIG. 9 depicts an example endovascular medical system for use intreating an aneurysm AN with the herein disclosed example braid 10.During use, a physician or interventionalist endovascularly introduces aguidewire 50 through the vasculature, typically in an artery located inthe groin or by direct access through the carotid artery. The guidewire50 is advanced through the vasculature to the aneurysm. Once theguidewire 50 is properly positioned, a microcatheter 60 tracks distallyover the guidewire passing through a lumen defined axially through themicrocatheter 60. Once properly positioned (e.g., adjacent or otherwisenear the neck of the aneurysm AN, the braid 10 and correspondingexpansion rings 30, 40 can be distally advanced towards the aneurysm ANfor treatment.

FIG. 10 shows an example method 1000 for using a braid. The method caninclude step 1010 providing a braid having a proximal end, a distal end,and a lumen formed therebetween by one or more braided wires. Step 1020can include positioning a first expansion ring with the proximal end,the first expansion ring configured to be self-expanding and apply anoutward radial force to the proximal end of the braid. Step 1030 caninclude positioning a second expansion ring at a distal end of thebraid, the second expansion ring configured to be self-expanding andapply an outward radial force to the distal end of the braid. Step 1040can include engaging at least one of the first and second expansionrings to a delivery wire. Step 1050 can include delivering the braid toan aneurysm by distally advancing the delivery wire.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may beexpressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular valueand/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When sucha range is expressed, other exemplary embodiments include from the oneparticular value and/or to the other particular value.

By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” is meant that at leastthe named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in thecomposition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence ofother compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the othersuch compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same functionas what is named.

In describing example embodiments, terminology will be resorted to forthe sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates itsbroadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includesall technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplisha similar purpose. It is also to be understood that the mention of oneor more steps of a method does not preclude the presence of additionalmethod steps or intervening method steps between those steps expresslyidentified. Steps of a method may be performed in a different order thanthose described herein without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention ofone or more components in a device or system does not preclude thepresence of additional components or intervening components betweenthose components expressly identified.

Some references, which may include various patents, patent applications,and publications, are cited in a reference list and discussed in thedisclosure provided herein. The citation and/or discussion of suchreferences is provided merely to clarify the description of the presentdisclosure and is not an admission that any such reference is “priorart” to any aspects of the present disclosure described herein. In termsof notation, “[n]” corresponds to the nth reference in the list. Allreferences cited and discussed in this specification are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties and to the same extent as ifeach reference was individually incorporated by reference.

The descriptions contained herein are examples illustrating the solutionand are not intended to limit the scope. As described herein, thesolution contemplates many variations and modifications of a system,device, and/or method that can be used to analyze one or more clots andindividualize treatment based on the analysis. Variations can includebut are not limited to alternative geometries of elements and componentsdescribed herein, utilizing any of numerous materials for each componentor element (e.g. radiopaque materials, memory shape metals, etc.),utilizing additional components, utilizing additional components toperform functions described herein, or utilizing additional componentsto perform functions not described herein, for example. Thesemodifications would be apparent to those having ordinary skill in theart to which this invention relates and are intended to be within thescope of the claims which follow.

The specific configurations, choice of materials and the size and shapeof various elements can be varied according to particular designspecifications or constraints requiring a system or method constructedaccording to the principles of the disclosed technology. Such changesare intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosedtechnology. The presently disclosed embodiments, therefore, areconsidered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. Itwill therefore be apparent from the foregoing that while particularforms of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, variousmodifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure and all changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of making a stent, the methodcomprising: positioning a first expansion ring at a proximal end of abraid such that the first expansion ring comprises a plurality ofelongate members, there is one end point between elongate members of thefirst expansion ring per looped end of the proximal end of the braid,the first expansion ring being configured to impart an outwardlyexpanding radial force to the proximal end of the braid; and positioninga second expansion ring at a distal end of the braid such that thesecond expansion ring comprises a plurality of elongate members, thereis one end point between elongate members of the second expansion ringper looped end of the distal end of the braid, the second expansion ringbeing configured to impart an outwardly expanding radial force to thedistal end of the braid.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofpositioning the first expansion ring at the proximal end of the braidcomprises sequentially translating one or more elongate members of thefirst expansion ring into and out of adjacent looped ends of theproximal end of the braid.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofpositioning the first expansion ring at the proximal end of the braidcomprises positioning one or more intersections of the first expansionring until each intersection is connected or in communication with arespective looped end of the proximal end of the braid.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, further comprising: wrapping around or hooking the firstexpansion ring with a respective looped end of the braid.
 5. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: connecting one or more radiopaque bandswith one or more corresponding elongate members adjacent a respectiveintersection of the first expansion ring connected with a respectivelooped end of the braid and proximal of the proximal end.
 6. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: wherein at least one of the first andsecond expansion ring further comprises: one or more radiopaque bandsconnected with one or more corresponding elongate members andcorresponding looped end of the braid.
 7. The method of claim 6, furthercomprising: connecting each elongate member to a corresponding loopedend of the braid by wrapping or encircling the radiopaque bandthereabout.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising: orientingparallel an elongate member to a respective wire of the braid extendingfrom a corresponding looped end and connected to the one or moreradiopaque bands.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:sequentially interweaving end points of each of the first and secondexpansion rings such that each end point is wrapped around or hookedwith a respective looped end of the braid.
 10. A method of making astent, the method comprising: weaving one or more wires to form a braidcomprising looped ends on a proximal end and a distal end, andinterstices along a lumen formed therebetween; and positioning one ormore intersections of a first expansion ring until each intersection isconnected to or in communication with the respective looped end of theproximal end of the braid, with a remainder of the first expansion ringdisposed external to the braid.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein thestep of positioning one or more intersections of a first expansion ringuntil each intersection is connected to or in communication with therespective looped end of the proximal end of the braid compriseswrapping around or hooking each intersection of the first expansion ringwith a respective looped end of the proximal end of the braid.
 12. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising: configuring the stent to impartan outwardly expanding radial force to the braid by attaching the firstexpansion ring at the proximal end of the braid.
 13. The method of claim10, further comprising: positioning one or more intersections of asecond expansion ring until each intersection is connected to or incommunication with a respective looped end of the distal end of thebraid, with a remainder of the second expansion ring disposed externalto the braid.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step ofpositioning one or more intersections of a first expansion ring untileach intersection is connected to or in communication with therespective looped end of the proximal end of the braid compriseswrapping around or hooking each intersection of the second expansionring with a respective looped end of the distal end of the braid. 15.The method of claim 10, further comprising: connecting one or moreradiopaque bands with one or more corresponding elongate membersadjacent a respective intersection of the first expansion ring connectedwith a respective looped end of the braid and proximal of the proximalend.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: connecting eachelongate member to a corresponding looped end of the braid by wrappingor encircling the radiopaque band thereabout.
 17. A method of using astent, the method comprising: engaging a delivery wire to at least oneof a first expansion ring connected to a proximal end of a braid or asecond expansion ring connected to a distal end of the braid;positioning the braid in a compressed configuration inside amicrocatheter; delivering the braid to an aneurysm by distally advancingthe delivery wire; and deploying the braid such that the at least aportion of the braid exits the microcatheter and at least one of thefirst or second expansion ring imparts an outwardly expanding radialforce on the respective end of the braid.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein the step of engaging a delivery wire to at least one of a firstexpansion ring connected to a proximal end of a braid or a secondexpansion ring connected to a distal end of the braid comprisesincreasing an outwardly expanding radial force of the braid by attachingthe first expansion ring at the proximal end of the braid and attachingthe second expansion ring at the distal end of the braid;
 19. The methodof claim 18, wherein the step of attaching the first expansion ring atthe proximal end of the braid or a second expansion ring connected to adistal end of the braid comprises as least one of: sequentiallytranslating one or more elongate members of the first or secondexpansion ring into and out of adjacent looped ends of the proximate ordistal end of the braid; and wrapping around or hooking eachintersection of the first or second expansion ring with a respectivelooped end of the proximate or distal end of the braid.
 20. The methodof claim 17, further comprising the step of fully deploying the braidfrom the microcatheter by distally advancing the delivery wire such thatthe braid exits the microcatheter and expands from a compressedconfiguration to an expanded configuration.